Member Article

Team Challenge Company takes on Arctic Challenge

Team Challenge Company, the UK’s largest independent corporate team building provider, has today announced its two directors are to trek across the Arctic, one of the harshest environments on earth, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Following in the footsteps of Prince Harry, who completed a similar challenge in the Antarctic with wounded soldiers earlier this year, the dynamic events duo have started their intense preparation to face this ultimate challenge.

Directors Gerard Crowley and Stephen Hazley are no shrinking violets, having previously abseiled down London’s o2 Arena and conquered Britain’s 3 highest Mountain Peaks in less than 24 hours, yet they admit that this is one of the most difficult challenges that they have ever set themselves. Team Challenge Company director Gerard Crowley said; “The training schedule is intense, we are currently aiming to fit in up to four hours of training around work each day, which we know is necessary as this challenge will push us to our physical and mental limits. Cancer has affected our close friends and family, so it felt right that we raise money for Cancer Research UK”

The team of challengers will depart in February and are seeking sponsorship for the kit and equipment that they will need, as well as raising funds for the charity, with all efforts now well underway. The pair are aiming to raise £10,000 through sponsorship and fundraising, and have already secured support from Louie Brown’s Bar in Dalgety Bay and media agency MediaCom Edinburgh.

On 22 February 2015 Team Challenge Company directors Gerard Crowley and Stephen Hazley will fly to the Arctic Circle to complete the grueling 10-day trek in temperatures between zero and down to minus 35°C at night. The 120-kilometre journey requires six hours travel per day, at times by torch light due to the short daylight hours during the Arctic winter. Each night teams will have to work together to quickly set up safe and comfortable camps. The team will travel on ski across country, up hills and over frozen lakes, towing all their own kit and food on a sledge weighing up to 35Kg, which is the equivalent of pulling four car tyres.

The money raised by the adventure is on behalf of the ‘Mums on the Run’ fundraising team, set up by Mr Crowley’s wife and a group of her friends following the death of their close friend. Deborah Crowley explains: “My friends and I wanted to do something positive following the death of our friend Jennifer Gasowska. Jennifer, from Dalgety Bay, was only 35 when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, and passed away only nine months later, leaving behind her husband and three amazing children.”

“Over the past two years we have raised about £20,000 for Cancer Research UK and we are extremely grateful that Gerard and Stephen from Team Challenge Company have offered to take on the Arctic Challenge to raise even more funds for our team.”

Gerard and Stephen’s Arctic training involves:

5am starts to practice walking with a 35Kg sled outdoors for up to 4 hours a day A healthier diet with increased calories for energy Long walks to wear-in the specialised Arctic boots Training in shorts and t-shirt to get used to sub-zero temperatures Four gym sessions a week with a personal trainer focusing on mental toughness, physical strength and endurance training, including circuit training for speed and agility, core training, running, cycling and sessions on a ski machine to practice traversing the Arctic plains.

Stephen Hazley adds:

“Everyday we are working with businesses helping them to get the most from their team, asking their staff to push themselves by learning new skills, so it seemed only fitting that we should also push ourselves for such a worthwhile charity.

“This is not an easy way to raise money for a charity - we are making every effort to ensure we reach our goal, and hopefully people across Fife will get behind us and help us reach our fundraising target too.”

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP, Gordon Brown has added his support stating that he is “delighted that this initiative is being driven by the Mums on the Run team from Dalgety Bay. He applauds the commitment and initiative of all involved, especially the volunteers from Team Challenge Company who will be undertaking the Arctic Challenge. They will set out with his best wishes and admiration.”

For more information on Team Challenge Company and to find out how to donate to the cause or sponsor the team, visit the website www.teamchallenge-company.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellie Wagstaff .